Paris Air Show 2017: Airbus lands first big deal on Monday

This image provided by Airbus shows an A320neo jet in the colors of GE Capital Aviation Services, an aircraft leasing unit.(Photo: Airbus)

LE BOURGET, France (AP) — Airbus has clinched a deal for 100 single-aisle A320neo planes in its first big move at the Paris Air Show, where the European planemaker is jockeying with Boeing for orders amid burgeoning competition from China.

A french Air Force Airbus A400M stands on the Tarmac of Le Bourget airport on June 18, 2017 on the eve of the opening of the International Paris Air Show. / AFP PHOTO / ERIC PIERMONTERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images ORIG FILE ID: AFP_PN9JQ
ERIC PIERMONT, AFP/Getty Images

The logo of Dassault Aviation is pictured in front of a Falcon 900 LX at the Dassault Aviation pavillion on June 18, 2017, ahead of the opening of the International Paris Air Show.
ERIC PIERMONT, AFP/Getty Images

A man walks past with his bicycle a Japan maritime self-defense forces P-1 submarine-hunting aircraft, at Paris Air Show, on the eve of its opening, in Le Bourget on Sunday, June 18, 2017.
Michel Euler, AP

A Dassault Aviation Rafale jet fighter performs as a jetliner crosses the sky during a demonstration on June 16, 2017, prior to the opening of the Paris Air Show on June 19.
ERIC PIERMONT, AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile, China's first large passenger jet, the C919, is competing with the A320 and 737 ranges.

Airbus also announced that it's studying a more fuel-efficient version of the superjumbo A380, which has struggled to win a big customer base. The A380plus could carry 80 more passengers and fly slightly farther.

Airbus and Boeing are expected to bring in about 200 new orders each at this week's show at Le Bourget, down from past years when Asian and Mideast carriers were growing rapidly.

Airbus President Fabrice Bregier (left) and Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers John Leahy look on during a signing ceremony at the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget on June 17, 2015. Vitenamese carrier VietJetAir has placed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of six additional A321s.
ERIC PIERMONT, AFP/Getty Images

The Skytrax World Airline Awards were announced at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Here, Hainan Airlines crew celebrate their 5-star designation by award parent Skytrax.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The Skytrax World Airline Awards were announced at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Here, AirAsiaX crew celebrate their win for "best low cost airline premium cabin seat."
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Big vendors at the Paris Air Show have "chalets" where they host media events and court new customers. Qatar Airways is one of the few airlines to have its own chalet at Paris (seen here on Monday, June 15, 2015).
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

French President Francois Hollande steps out of the cabin of a Dassault made Falcon 5X, during the inauguration of the 51st International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget near Paris on June15, 2015. AFP PHOTO / POOL / REMY DE LA MAUVINIEREREMY DE LA MAUVINIERE/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: - ORIG FILE ID: 541682431
REMY DE LA MAUVINIERE, AFP/Getty Images